501-77 City Centre Drive East Tower
Mississauga, ON, L5B 1M5
General Contact Info
647-259-8256
info@ffcanadianleasing.com
Regional Vice President – Sales
Grant MacFarlane
C: 647-987-8801
O: 647-259-8256 Ext: 156
gmacfarlane@ffcanadianleasing.com
Senior Vice President
Robert MacFarlane
C: 416-587-3933
O: 647-259-6755 Ext: 155
rmacfarlane@ffcanadianleasing.com
Nelson Abelha
Regional Vice President
C: 905-512-0661
nabelha@ffcanadianleasing.com
501-77 City Centre Drive East Tower
Mississauga, ON, L5B 1M5
647-259-8256
info@ffcanadianleasing.com
As CEO, Tom provides much of the vision and leadership for the organization and oversees all operations of the company. He is on the board of directors and various operational and strategic committees including business planning, credit, senior management, and risk management. Tom’s approach with customers and employees is the same now as it was when he co-founded First Financial over 20 years ago: proactive listening, direct and clear communication, and a long-term mindset.
Prior to starting First Financial, he was an AVP and senior marketing executive at Comdisco, a Fortune 500 equipment leasing company. Tom’s additional experience includes positions with Xerox and IBM. He holds a B.S. in Marketing from Fairfield University, Connecticut. Tom lives an active lifestyle playing tennis, swimming, hiking and trying to keep up with his three teenagers as well as various philanthropic activities.
Robert MacFarlane brings over 30 years of equipment leasing and sales management experience to his position at First Financial Canadian Leasing. His expertise ranges from buying, creating, and managing Canadian leasing companies to establishing sales strategies, developing vendor programs, structuring complex transactions, operating leases, and developing renewable energy financing.
In his role at First Financial Canadian Leasing, Rob oversees Canadian sales strategies and business development. Rob will focus on growing the Canadian operating lease portfolio and establishing the company as a market leader in renewable energy financing in Canada.
Before joining First Financial Canadian Leasing, Rob served as Founder and President of NorFund Capital, a leader in renewable energy financing in Canada for projects under $15MM. Rob previously started and managed National City Leasing and PNC Equipment Finance’s entry into the Canadian marketplace. He also created and managed the Technology leasing division at Newcourt Capital — taking it from a start-up to generating over $1.2 billion in annual financing with over 600 employees.
Rob has an MBA from the University of Toronto, and an Engineering Management degree from McMaster University.
Richard was one of the founders of First Financial in 2000 providing insight and financial management leadership required to drive the growth for the company. He brings 50+ years of experience in the finance and leasing industry and has been instrumental in advancing the offerings that First Financial provides to their clients.
Richard’s management style has been focused on providing employees with both financial and career growth and sponsoring long term partnerships with clients. He is excited about the new partnership with JA Mitsui and feels that First Financial will be better positioned to expand its offering to existing clients and new relationships.
Before co-founding First Financial, Richard held various management positions in the leasing industry and was the prior owner and founder of an IT-based leasing company that was sold to a significant global leasing company. Richard is married with two children, three stepchildren, eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
Grant MacFarlane joined First Financial Canadian Leasing after serving as Vice President of NorFund Capital, bringing extensive experience in originating Canadian vendor programs and financing energy savings projects. Grant has vast knowledge in structuring financing for clean energy projects – ranging from solar PPA’s, wind turbines, battery storage systems, and combined heat and power projects to electrical charging stations. He is also experienced in originating Canadian vendor programs, handling complex clean energy transactions, financing renewable energy in Canada, structuring operating leases, and working closely with customers to tailor financial solutions to meet their unique needs.
At First Financial Canadian Leasing, Grant originates and manages direct sales, vendor programs,and broker relations, focusing on operating leases and renewable clean energy financing.
Grant has an honours BA in Economics from Wilfrid Laurier University
Nelson Abelha has been dedicated to the finance industry for over two decades. Throughout his career, he has focused on heavy construction equipment leasing and has gained valuable skills and experience in this sector for over 14 years.
He has managed a finance division comprising nine professionals and led them to achieve remarkable results by streamlining operations and fostering collaboration between dealer networks. His team generated an impressive annual volume of $162 million, which is a testament to his dedication and strategic acumen.
Nelson’s involvement in facilitating heavy construction equipment leasing projects totaling $2 billion across all provinces in Canada was a highlight of his career. This experience broadened his understanding of the industry and enabled him to establish strong relationships with stakeholders nationwide.
At First Financial Canadian Leasing, Nelson is responsible for developing strategies, providing a vision, and leading the company’s growth with vendors, dealers, and customers in the construction industry.
